11 Sloping Site Design Ideas

A sloping site needn’t deter you from building an inspiring bespoke home. Here, we showcase a number of stunning projects built on these tricky plots

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Despite the initial concerns a sloping site might conjure up (that could put off many buyers or developers), these kinds of plots can actually open up a world of possibilities when it comes to designing a one-off home.

From split level living and upside down layouts, to making the most of dramatic views, a sloping site could help in adding wow factor to your home. Here, we have selected a number of projects that will leave you feeling inspired.

This contemporary single-storey home sits on a sloping site overlooking the countryside. Built using a lightweight steel and timber frame construction, the house is clad in cedar weatherboard and boasts full-height glazing to enjoy the views.

Thanks to the sloping nature of this garden infill plot, this traditional-style self build is arranged over a series of split levels, and even includes a dramatic three-storey atrium to the rear of the property which floods the home with natural light.

This modern masterpiece has been built on a sloping site in north London. From the front, the home’s three-storey layout is revealed, while the nature of the site means that the house is just two storey from the rear.

The combination of render and timber cladding helps to break up the box like structure.

Replacing a bungalow which previously sat on the sloping site, this wide Passivhaus self build has been positioned on the top of the site to make the most of the views. The main living accommodation is filled with natural light thanks to full-height glazing which opens out onto a patio area.

This large fortress-like self build has been designed to step down with the site. Built in Cotswold stone to complement the surrounding landscape, the project marries traditional materials with a contemporary style, and includes a curved roof with shards of glazing to break up the façade.

Despite being located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the owners of this home have demolished an old cottage which previously stood on the plot and replaced it with an impressive home. Built in flint to match the previous cottage, the home’s grand size has been cleverly masked, with the bulk of the property partially built into the sloping site, which required significant excavation work.

This Californian-style home has been built into the hillside in Salcombe overlooking the estuary. To make the most of the views, the home adopts an upside down layout, with the living space enjoying coastal views on the top level and the bedrooms positioned at ground level for privacy.

Built by package company Potton, this energy-efficient timber frame home has been built on a heavily wooded sloping site on the Isle of Man. Making the most of the plot, a garage has been built into the slope beneath the house, with the main living accommodation over two storeys above. Render and timber cladding help to break up the levels of the home and add interest.

Despite the sloping site, the homeowners of this render and cedar-clad self build have managed to build in features to make it accessible in later life. Enjoying a steep slope to the rear, the upper level, which houses the main living area and master suite, opens out onto a garden and patio.

Good question! It sounds like the kind of thing that should be Permitted Development but I suspect because it is quite a niche project, they might not have accounted for it explicitly in the rules. In many ways it’s like a basement conversion which doesn’t usually require approval. As always, a combination of the Planning Portal website and your local council should help you come to some judgement.